DETROIT -- For the third consecutive game, the Detroit Lions were unable to overcome turnovers, falling to the Chicago Bears, 26-24, in the season finale.

The Lions, 4-12, finish the regular season on an eight-game losing streak.

Detroit turned it over four times -- including three in the first half -- in the defeat. The Bears (10-6) didn't cough it up once.

Chicago converted the four turnovers into 16 points.

Turnover differential has been a major issue for the Lions this season. Detroit was fourth in the NFL during its 2011 playoff campaign, finishing plus-11. They end the 2012 season minus-14.

A key storyline entering the game was Calvin Johnson's pursuit of 2,000 receiving yards. After breaking Jerry Rice's single-season record last week against the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson needed just 108 yards to top 2,000.

The Lions targeted Johnson 14 times in the game, but he finished with just five receptions for 72 yards in the loss.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- In the closing seconds of the opening half, Stafford found Kris Durham for a 25-yard scoring strike. It was the first touchdown reception of his career and capped a 12-play, 80-yard touchdown drive.

-- On the opening kickoff of the second half, Chicago's dangerous return man Devin Hester attempted to bring it out from five yards deep in the end zone, but was spilled at the 5-yard line by Kassim Osgood.

-- Stafford found tight end Will Heller for a 10-yard touchdown with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter to cut the Bears' lead to 20-17.

-- Fighting through the turnover issues, Stafford hit Brian Robiske for a 9-yard score with 6:55 remaining in the fourth quarter to get the Lions back within one score, 26-24.

LOWLIGHTS

-- The defense got off to a tough start when cornerback Chris Houston was beat by rookie receiver Alshon Jeffery for a 55-yard gain. Playing off on the snap, Houston bit hard on a double move, allowing Jeffery to get behind the coverage down the right sideline.

-- Working out of the slot, Bears receiver Earl Bennett outran linebacker DeAndre Levy to the left flat. Bennett caught a short pass and took it 60 yards down the sideline for a touchdown thanks to a good block by receiver Brandon Marshall on cornerback Ron Bartell and poor angles by Levy and safety Louis Delmas.

-- Starting in place of recently benched Stefan Logan, running back Joique Bell fumbled his second kickoff return, giving the Bears the ball at the 24-yard line. Chicago kicked a field goal on the drive, extending its lead to 10-3.

-- Chicago defensive end Israel Idonije beat a double team by guard Stephen Peterman and Dominic Raiola and knocked the ball away from Stafford. Defensive end Julius Peppers recovered the fumble at the 10-yard line. The Bears punched it into the end zone four plays later.

-- Facing pressure, Stafford lofted a deep pass off his back foot intended for tight end Tony Scheffler, but Bears cornerback Tim Jennings stepped in front of the pass for his ninth interception of the season.

-- After Detroit cut the lead to three points, and the defense forced a punt on the ensuing drive in the third quarter, running back Mikel Leshoure lost a fumble deep in Lions territory. The Bears went three-and-out, but tacked three more points on to the lead.

NOTEABLE

-- Stafford nearly had a third turnover in the first half, but the fumble recovery by the Bears was overturned after replays showed the quarterback's arm moving forward in a throwing motion.

-- Lions kicker Jason Hanson set the record more most career field goals of 40 or more yards. It was Hanson's 188th make from that distance.

-- In the first quarter, Stafford passed Drew Bledsoe for the most pass attempts in a single season. Stafford finishes the season with 727 attempts, topping Bledsoe's mark by 36.

-- The Lions will select either fourth or fifth in the NFL draft depending on what the Oakland Raiders do this afternoon against the San Diego Chargers. If the Raiders win, the Lions will pick fourth, after Kansas City, Jacksonville and Philadelphia.

ISSUE OF THE WEEK REVISITED

-- The Lions had an opportunity to knock the Bears out of the playoffs, but it was clear from the opening kickoff that Chicago wanted the game more. Even with the victory, the Bears will need some help. If the Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers at home, Chicago will miss the postseason after starting the season 7-1.

POSTGAME QUESTIONS

The season is over, so let's start talking about the offseason. Who would you like to see the Lions draft in the first round this April? Which free agents would you like to see the Lions retain? Do you expect either Jim Schwartz or Martin Mayhew to lose their jobs?